Disneyland and Sensory-Sensitive Kids

Taking a Sensory-Sensitive Kid to Disneyland

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with a sensory-sensitive child can be much smoother with a little preparation and flexibility! Start by building in downtime each day and choosing quieter attractions or visiting parks early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak crowds. Bring familiar comfort items, noise-canceling headphones, snacks, and a visual schedule to help your child feel secure and know what to expect. Disney also offers support like the Disability Access Service (DAS), which can reduce long waits in stimulating environments.

For flights, try to book nonstop routes at calmer times of day, request window seats for added personal space, and pack a small “sensory kit” with fidget toys, weighted items, and favorite entertainment; letting your child know what each step of the airport and flight process will look like can ease anxiety. Delta Airlines had a lot of fun games and movies that helped us keep our little one busy. The deal breaker was purchasing very high quality noise cancelling headphones, which really helped with the constant interruption of plane announcements. With thoughtful planning and flexibility, the experience can be both manageable and enjoyable for the whole family!